Charoite and Rhodochrosite Optical Properties
Luster
Pearly, Fibrous, Chatoyant
Vitreous
Pleochroism
NilArthur Thomas
Weak
Transparency
Translucent
Transparent, Opaque, Transparent to nearly opaque
Refractive Index
1.545-1.560
1.60
Optic Character
Not Available
Not Available
Crystal System
Triclinic
Trigonal
Birefringence
0.009
0.208-0.220
Clarity
Translucent
Transparent to nearly opaque
Charoite and Rhodochrosite Optic Character
Charoite and Rhodochrosite optical properties play a significant role while distinguishing these gemstones from each other. These properties are influenced by the Charoite and Rhodochrosite Physical Properties like crystallographic symmetry, pleochroism,etc. in the crystal. Some of the optical properties are refractive index, luster, optic character, pleochroism etc. Prominent among these is Charoite and Rhodochrosite optic character. You might have noticed your gemologist rotating the gemstone while testing it. Rotating a gemstone along its optic axis helps in determining its optic character.
Charoite and Rhodochrosite Transparency
Similar to their colors, Charoite and Rhodochrosite transparency can also be used as criteria for their primary identification. Although transparency cannot be the only criteria for gemstone identification, it can efficiently used in gemstone grading. Talking about their transparency, Charoite is Translucent while Charoite is Translucent in appearance.